Wales closing the broadband gap
Wales closing the broadband gap
The number of people signing up for superfast broadband services in Wales has increased by 10 per cent in the last 12 months but the figure is still well below the UK average, according to a new report by the telecoms regulator.
There are now 58 per cent of premises in Wales with superfast services compared to the UK national average of 78 per cent, the latest figures from industry watchdog Ofcom revealed.
The annual Communications Market report said that the Welsh Government’s Superfast Cymru scheme to roll-out superfast broadband services was behind the increase in homes and businesses opting for new faster services. The project has set itself a target of reaching 96 per cent of Welsh premises with broadband speeds of at least 24Mbps by 2016.
However, the report also highlighted issues in Wales where people reported both poor internet and mobile phone coverage.
Although more than 75 per cent of Welsh SMEs now have internet access, more than a quarter of those said their services were often unreliable. Problems were more apparent in rural areas than in towns and cities. The overall satisfaction rate for Wales, however, was on a par with the UK average.
The Communications Market Report also looked at the importance of broadband services to Welsh firms for the first time. More than eight out of 10 of those questioned said that communication services were ‘fundamental’ to the success of their businesses.
Rhodri Williams, Ofcom director in Wales, told the BBC: "For too long, Wales has lagged behind the UK for communications services. Our research shows that when it comes to the rollout of superfast broadband services, Wales is beginning to bridge the gap."
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